Proposals for Regulation of Gene Technology

Australasian Biotechnology, Volume 8 Number 1, January/February 1998, pp. 30-32 Proposals for Regulation of Gene Technology Donn Corcoran, Manager and Kirsty Galloway McLean Code Number:AU98007 Sizes of Files: Text: 12K Graphics: No associated graphics files Introduction Gene Technology Gene technology offers a number of potential benefits for human health, agriculture and the environment. Its application has already resulted in the development of new and improved pharmaceuticals, treatment of some forms of disease, and improvements in agricultural production. However, it is also possible to create organisms hazardous to human health or the environment using this technology and accordingly Australia has had a regulatory system in place for many years. This system has been designed to ensure that gene technology research and the release of genetically modified organisms into the environment do not cause problems for human health, agriculture and the environment. It has operated largely on a voluntary basis, managed by the Genetic Manipulation Advisory Committee (GMAC), although some GMO releases are already subject to statutory processes. Copyright 1998 Australian Biotechnology Association Ltd